Why Should I Hire A Dog Trainer?

In This Blog You Will Find:

• An explanation as to the benefits of hiring a dog trainer

• Recommendations for when to hire a trainer

One of the most common questions I get from dog owners is “Why should I hire a dog trainer?” That’s a valid question, as there are many online resources available to try your hand at training.  Much in the way that following an online training plan for a marathon can definitely derive some success, but working with an experienced running coach will get you further, the same goes for working with a dog trainer.  If you want to achieve the maximum success possible, to experience the most amount of joy that a dog can bring you, a dog trainer is the way to go.

In other words, a dog trainer can remove some of the stress that can come with having a dog, because when you start to see progress—substantial progress—with your dog's behaviour, the two of you spend less time in a state of mutual frustration and more time having fun!  And, at the end of the day, that's why we adopt our lovable furry friends: because we want more joy in our lives!

Now that we know why you should hire a dog trainer, the question is: when should you. When I ask new clients why they waited past the puppy stage to start working with a dog trainer, their answer is: "I thought I would wait until there is a problem.” It's understandable that someone would feel that way, but dogs are not like cars where you may only take your vehicle into the shop once it breaks down. Rather, dogs are similar to us humans. As soon as a child is born we are teaching them about their environment. How to navigate safely in the world. When they become a toddler we encourage polite behaviour, sharing, and the importance of listening. It’s the same with dogs. After all, it’s easier to build good habits initially than to develop bad habits and have to work to undo them… and it’s less costly.

So, when should you hire a dog trainer? Let’s dive into some examples:

When to Hire A Dog Trainer

In the Early Years

The best time, of course, is to start right away. While your dog is a puppy, we can begin building a language for you and your dog to communicate so that when there are distractions or stressors out in the world that may incite a reaction from your dog, you can communicate that everything is okay and bring them back to a state of calm quickly. While puppies can forget some of their training because they are learning so much about this big, beautiful world all at once, much of the essential skills will stick. And, that will set them up for greater success down the road.

If you have a rescue dog, the same rule goes: starting immediately is the best time. Keep in mind, however, that the difference for your rescue dog (from that of a puppy) is that your dog may already have developed coping skills that helped them survive. It will take time and patience to help them adapt to a new environment.

When Your Family Is About to Grow

Are you anticipating the arrival of a baby in your family? Or, perhaps you are about to blend your family with your partner’s? Or, maybe your elderly parents are going to move into your home for additional support. Whatever the circumstances may be, this is an excellent time for a “skills tune up” for your dog. Using the skills your dog already has, we can help your dog feel confident and calm with their changing environment

When An Injury Occurs

Life can throw us curveballs. Should you or your dog undergo temporary or permanent change in mobility, this is definitely a time to work with a dog trainer to navigate your new normal. In the past, you may have welcomed your dog jumping on you when they got excited, but now you need a calmer greeting.  Or you now need a mobility scooter, a walker, or a wheelchair to get around, but you still want to have fun outside with your dog.  We can teach your dog that your new machine means they'll have fun in a new way. All in all, change can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be by utilizing the skill set of a dog trainer to help you and your dog adjust your habits and means of communication.

If You Are Hosting

Whether you are gathering for a sunset barbecue, birthday or holiday, this is an exciting event for your dog as much as it is for you—possibly more! Leading up to an event of this type is a good time to touch base with your dog trainer. By reviewing your training and habituating your dog to busy environments like that of your upcoming event, we can ensure you and your dog enjoy the party and feel relaxed.

If You Are Moving From a Small Town to a Big City

A big change in environment can be overwhelming for a dog at any stage of their life. We can work together to acclimate them to the hustle and bustle of city life before you make the big move (by exposing them to noisier and more crowded environments). Plus, I’ll give you exercises to tune up your dog’s recall skills, should they get loose in a big city and need to get back to you. Because, at the end of the day, we want to make sure your dog is safe. And recall in a highly stimulating environment is critical to do so.

In short, every dog owner and their furry companion can benefit from comprehensive training with an experienced trainer. Whether you are a first-time dog parent, or a seasoned dog owner with a new breed, new personality of dog or a new rescue, there is tremendous value in seeking professional support. Remember, it’s not a sign of weakness to bring in an expert—it’s a sign of strength! It means that you want to best understand your dog, so you’re bringing in a translator (of sorts) to foster understanding, build trust and thrive!

Have additional questions about how to best support your dog? Reach out to me via my contact page here!

Happy training!

Sherri